I’m guessing that most of you are guilty of the following sometime in the last 12 months. During a round of golf, you’ve most likely said one of the following four things (and quite possibly all four) – hazard, sand trap, casual water and line of flight. Four words or phrases that appear nowhere in the Rules of Golf. Granted, some of the above were at one time or another in the Rules, but are now long gone.
Even though the Rules may be confusing at times, the language of the Rules of Golf are precise. The trick is for players to get the language right and that’s where the Definitions enter the conversation. There are currently 74 Definitions that are part of the Rules of Golf and they can be found in the back of the Rules book. And even though they are at the back of the book, that is where everyone who wants a better understanding of the Rules should start reading. The Definitions are the foundation of the Rules and an understanding of them will set you on a strong path towards understanding and applying the Rules correctly.
Since Rules books are hard to find in today’s world, the best way to begin learning the Definitions is to download (please, please, please) the free USGA Rules of Golf app from either the iOS or Android app stores. Once you’ve done that, it’s highly recommended that you take time to start reading through the Definitions. A word of caution, don’t try and rush through them in one or two readings. You will be better served if you spread it out over a week or so. Take the Definitions in small bites, maybe reading six or seven at a time. Read each more than once and take your time. You can thank us later.
To get you on the path to better understanding the Definitions, the following quiz should whet your appetite.
Questions: True / False
1) Any time a player strikes a ball with a club, they have made a “Stroke”.
2) “Loose impediments” are unattached natural objects such as stones and loose grass.
3) There are two different types of penalty areas distinguished by the color used to mark them: yellow penalty areas and red penalty areas. Yellow penalty areas have two relief options; red penalty areas have three relief options.
4) A ball is “Lost” if not found after three minutes of search or earlier if it is declared lost.
5) The dimensions of the “Hole” are 4-1/4 inches in diameter and at least 4-1/2 inches deep.
6) A ball lying in a pitch-mark filled with water is in “Temporary Water’.
7) A player, who has not played a course before, asks another player some questions about the hole being played, including which direction the hole goes and where any bunkers or penalty areas might be on the hole. The player will get two penalty strokes for asking for “Advice”.
8) Animals would be defined as “Natural Forces” while wind and water would be considered an “Outside Influence”.
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Answers:
1) False. Definition of “Stroke”. A “Stroke” is the forward movement of the club made to strike the ball. But if a player accidentally strikes the ball when making a practice swing or while preparing to make a “Stroke”, the player has not made a “Stroke”.
2) True. Definition of “Loose Impediments”. Any unattached natural object such as stones, loose grass, leaves, branches, sticks, dead animals, animal waste and clumps of compacted soil are good examples of a “Loose Impediment”. Please note that natural objects are not considered loose if they are attached or growing, solidly embedded in the ground or sticking to the ball. Also, sand and loose soil are not considered to be loose.
3) True. Definition of “Penalty Area” and Rule 17.1d. The concept of a “Penalty Area” was greatly expanded with the 2019 changes to the Rules of Golf to include areas that didn’t have water associated with them. The relief options were also changed in 2019, along with some additional clarity added with the 2023 changes. You might find it valuable to spend additional time on this particular Definition and the referenced Rule and what a player’s relief options are under the Rule.
4) False. Definition of “Lost”. A ball never becomes lost as a result of a player declaring it to be lost. Additional information about how a ball becomes “Lost” is in the Definition.
5) False. Definition of “Hole. While the diameter is correct in the question, the depth is not. And no, we’re not going to give you the easy out and give you the depth. You will have to find that yourself by reading the Definition.
6) True. Definition of “Temporary Water”. The entire concept of “Temporary Water” and how to take relief not only trips up players, but can often times be a headache for referees as well. Which makes a thorough understanding of the Definition key to getting the rest of the procedure correct. A key point to remember is that soft, mushy and muddy ground are not enough on their own to entitle a player to free relief.
7) False. Definition of “Advice”. This is another area of the Rules that confuses many players. The misconceptions about “Advice” are too numerous to count. It’s also important to note that intention plays a large role in determining whether or not players have breached Rule 10.2a. While a player should never help another player choose a club or decide how to play a hole, offering public information to a player is not considered to be “Advice”. Distance, wind direction, information on the Rules and the location of certain things on the course are never considered to be “Advice”.
8) False. Definitions for “Natural Forces” and “Outside Influences”. When Definitions for “Natural Forces” and ‘Outside Influence” were added to the Rules, some much needed clarity came with them. Even gravity now gets a mention. An animal is an “Outside Influence”, while rain and wind are “Natural Forces. Both concepts are important as each can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment. Understanding the impact that either can have might save you a penalty stroke or two during a round.